Online Survey of Vitamin D Supplementation Practices in Children and Adolescents

Area of Science:

• Pediatrics
• Nutritional Science
• Public Health

Background:

• Vitamin D is crucial for bone health and immune function in children.
• Current guidelines recommend vitamin D supplementation, but adherence and practices vary.
• Understanding pediatrician supplementation habits is key to optimizing pediatric nutrition.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate current vitamin D supplementation practices among pediatricians.
• To identify age groups receiving routine vitamin D supplementation.
• To assess pediatrician approaches to vitamin D assessment and counseling.

Main Methods:

• An online survey was distributed to 230 pediatricians.
• The survey collected data on routine vitamin D supplementation across different age groups (infancy to adolescence).
• Practices regarding sunlight exposure and serum 25-hydroxy vitamin D level measurement were recorded.

Main Results:

• 81.3% of pediatricians reported routine vitamin D supplementation during infancy.
• Supplementation rates dropped significantly in older age groups: 26.1% (1-5 y), 14.8% (6-10 y), and 17.8% (>10-19 y).
• 79% promoted sunlight exposure, and 74.3% did not measure vitamin D levels before prescribing.

Conclusions:

• Pediatric vitamin D supplementation is common in infancy but lacks consistency in older children and adolescents.
• There is a need for updated guidelines or educational initiatives to ensure adequate vitamin D levels throughout childhood.
• Routine measurement of serum 25-hydroxy vitamin D levels is not standard practice, indicating potential for improved diagnostic approaches.